Trade calls for pre-Xmas PS2 price reduction

Leading industry figures have called on Sony to drop the suggested retail price of PS2 as the console nears the final stages of its hugely successful lifecycle.

The system, which burst onto the market seven years ago, currently holds a suggested retail price point of around £95. But publisher bosses have told MCV that a cut could entice more family purchases of the console – and its software – this Christmas.

“We’re pleased to see that PS2 has shown such longevity,” said Ubisoft UK MD Rob Cooper.

“It’s already at an attractive price, but a reduction on hardware and software would undoubtedly prove an extremely tempting purchase to the more casual gamer and family member.”

Atari UK MD Jeremy Wigmore added: “Considering all of the financial turmoil going around, anything that might galvanise the market is welcome. A PS2 cut would probably give it a little lift.”

And head of games at HMV Tim Ellis said: “Well-timed price drops, which help stimulate demand without devaluing the appeal of the product, are more often welcome than not. So we can understand why some publishers are suggesting one on PS2.”

However, Sony has ruled out the idea. SCEE UK MD Ray Maguire told MCV: “There are no immediate plans to cut the price. We still think PS2 offers tremendous value for money.

"And, with continued innovative software support from ourselves and our third-party publishing partners, we concur with the comments recently made in MCV about the longevity of the system.”

MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by NewBay Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets.